The original nucleus of Capercaillie, Karen Matheson (vocals), Donald Shaw (accordion, keyboards) and Marc Duff (whistles, percussion) met while at school in Oban, West Scotland. Karen learnt many of the traditional Gaelic songs that were to feature in Capercaillie's repertoire from her grandmother, a singer from Barra in the Outer Hebrides.

The band's first album, 'Cascade' was released in 1984. By the time of their third album, 'Sidewaulk' (released on the Green Linnet label in 1989) they had consolidated their reputation, helped by the success of 'The Blood Is Strong', featuring their music composed for a Channel 4 documentary about the Gaelic Scots in 1988. This was reissued in 1995 on a CD together with their music for an ITV documentary about the Prince of Wales' visit to the Outer Hebridean island of Berneray.

With producer Donal Lunny at the controls, the release of 'Delirium' in 1991 announced the arrival of the band to a wider audience whilst the 1992 album 'Get Out' hinted at their prowess in a live situation.

'Secret People' released in September 1993 developed their song-writing and instrumental sensitivity whilst 1994's 'Capercaillie' was conceived as a mix of world, Celtic and club beats with Soul II Soul producer Will Mowat.

In 1994 the band wrote much of the music for the feature film, 'Rob Roy' starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange.

'To The Moon' in 1995 was applauded as their finest album to date and received glowing reviews in the music press.

In 1996, Karen Matheson recorded her first solo album 'The Dreaming Sea' which featured the musical talents of James Grant in addition to assistance from band members who also involved themselves in several writing and production projects during this period.

In 1997 the band shipped their studio from Glasgow to the Andalucian Mountains and recorded 'Beautiful Wasteland'. This album featured Wilf Taylor and David 'Chimp' Robertson on drums and percussion respectively and introduced former BBC Young Musician of the Year Michael McGoldrick on flutes and whistles.

2000's 'Nadurra' marked a return to the band's roots with an infectious blend of the contemporary and Celtic that they do so well.

In May 2002 there was the welcome release of a live CD 'Capercaillie Live In Concert' recorded in January 2002 at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.

The current line-up features Karen Matheson (vocals), Donald Shaw (accordion, keyboards), Manus Lunny (bouzouki, guitar, vocals), Charlie McKerron (fiddle), Michael McGoldrick (flutes, whistles, uillean pipes, bodhran), Ewen Vernal (bass), David Robertson (percussion) and Che Beresford (drums)

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